JP3523710B2 - Information reproduction system, recording medium, recording device, and recording method - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information recording medium such as paper on which so-called multimedia information including audio information, video information and digital code data is recorded as an optically readable two-dimensional code pattern. An information reproducing system , a recording medium, a recording device, and a recording medium for optically reproducing the code pattern into the original multimedia information.
About the recording method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various media such as magnetic tapes and optical disks have been known as media for recording voice, music and the like. However, even if a large number of copies of these media are made, the unit price will be high to some extent, and a large amount of space will be required for their storage. Furthermore, when it is necessary to hand over a medium on which voice is recorded to another person in a remote place, it takes time and effort to send it by mail or bring it directly. There was also. In addition to audio information, video information obtained from cameras, video equipment, etc., and digital code data obtained from personal computers, word processors, etc.,
The same applies to the so-called multimedia information as a whole including the above.

As a solution to such a problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-231466 discloses that multimedia information including at least one of audio information, video information and digital code data can be transmitted by facsimile. In addition, a plurality of dots are arranged two-dimensionally as image information, that is, coded information, which enables large-scale copying at low cost.
A system for recording on an information recording medium such as paper in the form of a dimensional code pattern and a system for reproducing the same are disclosed.

The two-dimensional code pattern disclosed in FIG. 14 of this publication shows a dot code 170 as a two-dimensional code pattern. This dot code 170
In the data format of, one block 172 is
It includes a marker 174, a block address 176, address error detection / correction data 178, and a data area 180 in which actual data is stored. The blocks 172 are arranged vertically, horizontally, and two-dimensionally, and they are gathered to form a dot code 170.

Further, FIG. 38 corresponds to FIG. 15 of the above publication, and is a diagram showing a configuration of a reproducing apparatus for multimedia information. This information reproducing apparatus includes a detection unit 184 for reading the dot code from a sheet 182 on which the dot code 170 is printed, a scan conversion unit 186 for recognizing the image data supplied from the detection unit 184 as a dot code and performing normalization. A binarization processing unit 188 for converting multi-valued data into a binary value, a demodulation unit 190, an adjustment unit 192 for adjusting a data string, a data error correction unit 194 for correcting a read error and a data error at the time of reproduction, and an attribute of each data. And a decompression processing unit for data compression processing according to each attribute, a display unit or a reproduction unit, or another input device.

In the detection unit 184, the dot code 170 on the sheet 182 is illuminated by the light source 198, and the reflected light is provided with the imaging optical system 200 such as a lens and the spatial filter 202 for removing moire and the like. An image pickup unit 204 such as a CCD or CMD that converts light information into an electric signal via
It is detected as an image signal by and is amplified by the preamplifier 206 and output. These light source 198, imaging optical system 200,
Spatial filter 202, imaging unit 204, and preamplifier 2
Reference numeral 06 denotes an external light shielding portion 20 for preventing a disturbance with respect to external light.
8 inside. Then, the image signal amplified by the preamplifier 206 is converted into digital information by the A / D conversion unit 210 and supplied to the scan conversion unit 186 at the next stage.

The image pickup unit 204 is controlled by the image pickup unit control unit 212. For example, when an interline transfer type CCD is used as the imaging unit 204,
The image pickup unit control unit 212 stores a V blank signal for vertical synchronization, an image pickup device reset pulse signal for resetting information charges, and a charge transfer accumulation unit arranged two-dimensionally as control signals for the image pickup unit 204. Charge transfer gate pulse signal for transmitting the electric charge to a plurality of vertical shift registers, and a horizontal charge transfer CLK which is a transfer clock signal of the horizontal shift register for transferring the electric charge in the horizontal direction and outputting it to the outside.
A signal, a vertical charge transfer pulse signal for vertically transferring the plurality of vertical shift register charges and sending the charges to the horizontal shift register, and the like are output.

Then, the image pickup section control section 212 gives the light source a light emitting cell control pulse for timing the light emission of the light source 198 in synchronization with this timing.

The image data is read from the V blank of one field to the V blank. Light source 19
In No. 8, pulse lighting is performed instead of continuous lighting, and subsequent pulse lighting is performed in synchronization with the field unit. In this case, the timing is controlled such that the exposure is performed during the V blanking period, that is, while the image charge is not being output, so that the clock noise for pulse lighting does not enter the signal output. That is, the light emitting cell control pulse is a very thin digital clock pulse that is generated instantaneously and gives a large amount of power to the light source, so it is possible to prevent noise due to it from entering the analog image signal. Is necessary,
As a measure for this, the light source is pulsed during the V blanking period. By doing so, the S / N is improved. In addition, turning on the pulse means shortening the light emission time, and thus has a great effect of eliminating the influence of blurring due to shake and movement of manual scanning. This enables high-speed scanning.

In addition, in order to minimize the S / N deterioration even when the reproducing apparatus is tilted and the external light shielding portion 208 is present and external light or other disturbance is introduced for some reason. , Immediately before the light source 198 is caused to emit light in the V blanking period, the image sensor reset pulse is output once to reset the image signal, light is emitted immediately after that, and immediately thereafter.
I try to read it.

Next, the scan conversion unit 186 will be described. The scan conversion unit 186 is a unit that recognizes the image data supplied from the detection unit 184 as a dot code and performs normalization. As the method, first, the image data from the detection unit 184 is stored in the image memory 214, and once read out from the image memory 214 and sent to the marker detection unit 216. The marker detection unit 216 detects a marker for each block. Then, the data array direction detection unit 218 detects the rotation or inclination and the data array direction using the marker.
Based on the result, the address control section 220 reads out the image data from the image memory 214 so as to correct it and supplies it to the interpolation circuit 222. At this time, lens aberration information is read from the memory 224 for correcting distortion of lens aberration in the imaging optical system 200 of the detection unit 184, and lens correction is also performed. Then, the interpolation circuit 222
Performs an interpolation process on the image data and converts it into the original dot code pattern.

The output of the interpolation circuit 222 is the binarization processing unit 1
88. Basically, the dot code 170
Is a white and black pattern, that is, binary information, and is thus binarized by the binarization processing unit 188.

At that time, the threshold value judgment circuit 226 adaptively performs binarization while judging the threshold value in consideration of the influence of disturbance, the influence of signal amplitude and the like.

Since the data is modulated at the time of recording, the demodulation unit 190 first demodulates it, and then the data is input to the data string adjustment unit 192.

In the data string adjusting unit 192, the block address detecting unit 228 first detects the block address of the above-mentioned two-dimensional block, and then the block address error detecting / correcting unit 230 detects the block address error. After that, the address control unit 23
In 2, the data is stored in the data memory unit 234 in units of blocks. By storing data in block address units in this way, data can be stored without waste even if data is skipped midway or entered midway.

After that, the data read from the data memory unit 234 is corrected by the data error correction unit 194. The output of the error correction unit 194 is branched into two, and one of them is sent as digital data to a personal computer, a word processor, an electronic notebook, etc. via the I / F 236. The other is supplied to the data separation unit 196, where images, handwritten characters and graphs, characters and line drawings,
Sound (2: the original sound and the one with speech synthesis)
Types).

The image corresponds to a natural image and is a multivalued image. The decompression processing unit 238 performs decompression processing corresponding to JPEG at the time of compression, and the data interpolation circuit 240 further interpolates error-uncorrectable data.

Further, with respect to binary image information such as handwritten characters and graphs, the decompression processing unit 242 performs decompression processing for MR / MH / MMR and the like performed by compression, and further the data interpolation circuit 244. Interpolation of data that cannot be error-corrected is performed.

Characters and line drawings are converted into another pattern for display through a PDL (page description language) processing unit 246. In this case, as for the line drawing and the characters, if the compression processing for the code is performed after being encoded, the expansion processing unit 248 corresponding thereto performs the expansion (Huffman, Gibblempel, etc.) processing, and then PD
It is adapted to be supplied to the L processing unit 246.

The data interpolation circuits 240, 244 and P
The output of the DL processing unit 246 is the synthesis or switching circuit 25.
The data is combined or selected by 0, converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 252, and then displayed on a display device 254 such as a CRT (television monitor) or FMD (face mounted display). The FMD is a spectacle-type monitor (handy monitor) for wearing on the face, and is effective for applications such as virtual reality, and for viewing a large screen in a small place.

As for the voice information, the decompression processing unit 2
At 56, decompression processing is performed on the ADPCM, and at the data interpolating circuit 258, error-uncorrectable data is interpolated. Alternatively, in the case of voice synthesis, the voice synthesis unit 260 receives the voice synthesis code, synthesizes the voice from the code, and outputs the synthesized voice. In this case,
When the code itself is compressed, the decompression processing unit 262 performs decompression processing such as Huffman or dibrempel in the decompression processing unit 262, and then performs speech synthesis.
The outputs of the data interpolation circuit 258 and the speech synthesis unit 260 are
The synthesizing or switching circuit 264 performs synthesizing or selecting, the D / A converting unit 266 converts the analog signal, and then outputs the analog signal to a speaker, headphones, or other similar audio output device 268.

Characters and line drawings are directly output from the data separation unit 196 to a page printer, plotter, etc. 270, characters are printed on paper as word processing characters, or line drawings, etc. are output as a plotter as drawings. It can also be done. Of course, the image can be printed not only by the CRT or FMD but also by a video printer or the like, and the image can be photographed.

In such an information reproducing apparatus, for example, the detecting section 184 and the scan converting section 186 are housed in a pen-shaped case, and the dot code 170 on the sheet 182 is optically read. As the reading unit, the dot code 170 recorded by holding the reading unit by hand
The code is adapted to be read by manually scanning over sheet 182 along.

[0024]

In the above-mentioned information reproducing system, the output of the interpolation circuit 222 is binarized by the binarization processing section 188. At that time, the threshold judgment circuit 226 makes an influence of disturbance and a signal. The binarization is adaptively performed while determining the threshold value in consideration of the influence of the amplitude and the like.

However, when the threshold value determination circuit 226 determines the threshold value, the maximum and minimum values actually read are
Due to uneven illumination during reproduction, quality of printed paper, or if the printed paper is exposed paper, it may be due to an error in the amount of exposure during printing.
The density of the ink and the diameter of the dots are different. for that reason,
As shown in FIGS. 39 (a) to (e), the rectangular original signal (a) of the reference dot, which is supposed to be obtained, is deteriorated, and the signal width is changed to the deteriorated signal (b) or the deteriorated signal (c). It will be different.

Therefore, when the deterioration signal (b) is detected, as shown in (d), the signal width dn from the read value becomes smaller than the predetermined reference signal width dr, and When it is detected like the deterioration signal (c),
As shown in (e), the signal width dn from the read value exceeds the predetermined reference signal width dr, and in reality,
The threshold value for obtaining the optimum signal width has not been obtained. In this way, binarization is performed while having a difference from the threshold value that gives the reference signal width.

Further, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-132278, a slice level is determined for each black bar as a binarization processing means in a bar code, and the previous slice level is set for the same black bar up to a predetermined space width. Has presented an example of calculating again. That is, there is a case where the threshold value for binarization is determined with reference to the space area (white area).

In determining the threshold value for binarization in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 57-132278, if dust enters the space area between the bar codes due to noise or the like, the threshold value is lowered and the presence of dust exists. Can be turned off.
However, instead, the width of the next barcode becomes narrower, and the standard space area width cannot be maintained.

Further, the threshold value cannot be set at one time, but approaches the reference value (optimum value) by trial and error for each space area between each bar code, and it takes time to reach the reference value. However, it is not possible to obtain high precision.

Further, in determining the threshold value for binarization in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-171477, the predetermined pulse width is compared with the pulse width of the output signal to select from among a plurality of predetermined pulse widths. The closest pulse width is selected. Therefore, unless the predetermined pulse width and the pulse width of the output signal coincidentally, the threshold value does not match the optimum value, and the threshold value is set to have an error. In order to select the closest optimum value, it is necessary to produce a plurality of results at the same time, which increases the circuit scale.

Therefore, the present invention creates an appropriate threshold value without being affected by variations in the density of ink and changes in dot diameter, which are caused by uneven illumination during reproduction, quality of printing paper, or an error in exposure amount during printing. , Binary data processing of information code pattern
Information reproducing system, recording medium, recording device and recording method
The purpose is to provide the law .

[0032]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention optically reads the dot code from a recording medium on which information is recorded by an optically readable dot code and stores the information. In an information reproducing system for reproducing, an image pickup unit that picks up the dot code and outputs a corresponding image signal, and a threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the image pickup unit are set, and the set threshold value is set. A threshold value determining / binarizing unit that uses the binarized data of the image signal to generate, and a reproducing unit that processes the binarized data created by the threshold value determining / binarizing unit to reproduce the information. The threshold value determination / binarization unit detects the size of the reference dot for setting the threshold value recorded on the recording medium, from the binarized data of the image signal created with a predetermined threshold value. Then
There is provided an information reproducing system which resets the threshold value by comparing the detected reference dot size with a preset reference value.

Further, in a recording medium in which information is recorded in an optically readable dot code, an information reproducing system which optically reads the dot code and reproduces the information captures the dot code. An image pickup unit that outputs a corresponding image signal and a threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the image pickup unit, and binarized data of the image signal is created using the set threshold value. Threshold judgment-2
When the recording medium includes a binarizing unit and a reproducing unit that processes the binarized data created by the threshold value determining / binarizing unit and reproduces the information, the recording medium includes the threshold value determining / binarizing unit. Detects the size of the binarized data of the image signal created with a predetermined threshold value, and compares the detected size with a preset reference value to reset the threshold value. To provide a recording medium having a reference dot.

Further, in a recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium with an optically readable dot code, recording means for recording at least two kinds of dots having mutually different sizes, and the recording means are used for recording. An image input unit for inputting an image of each dot, a binarizing unit for binarizing an image signal from the image input unit, and a size of each dot binarized by the binarizing unit are set in advance. And a dot determination unit that selects one dot that is the same or approximated, and the recording unit records the dot code based on the dot selected by the dot determination unit. A recording device for recording on a medium is provided.

Further, in a recording method for recording information on a recording medium by an optically readable dot code, a first step of recording at least two kinds of dots having mutually different sizes, and the first step. The second step of inputting the image of each dot recorded in step 3, the third step of binarizing the image signal of the image input in the second step, and the binarization of the third step. Fourth, a comparison is made between the size of each of the formed dots and a preset reference value to select one of the dots that match or approximate.
And a fifth step of recording the dot code on a recording medium based on the dots selected in the fourth step.

[0036]

Oite The information reproduction system of the effects above-mentioned configuration, the first, and the diameter of the reference dots detected by the reference dot detection means, the preset reference value of dot diameter (original reference dot Of the image signal obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state and optical system) is adjusted so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. , A similar binarization effect is obtained.

Second, the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code are detected, and the threshold value is calculated using the internal division ratio representing the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value. As a result, it is stabilized to some extent against illumination, uneven recording, and dot code stains. Thirdly, in the dot code recorded on the recording medium, attribute dots including information on the recording medium are arranged in a predetermined area on the reading start end side in order to set a threshold for binarization. The binarizing means detects this attribute dot, and based on the information on the recording medium based on the attribute dot, an internal division ratio representing the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code. The corresponding internal division ratio is obtained by the one-to-one correspondence, and the threshold value is set together with the maximum value and the minimum value. Since the information on the recording medium is directly recorded as attribute dots, a highly reliable internal division ratio can be obtained.

Fourth, the reference dots are arranged on the recording medium, and the binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code in order to read the dot code detects and detects this reference dot. The diameter of the reference dot is compared with a preset reference value of the dot diameter, and the threshold value is adjusted so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. By thus providing the recording medium with the reference dots, a similar binarization effect can be obtained for image signals obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state and optical system).

[0039]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an information reproducing system according to the present invention.
As a first example of a shows an example of the configuration of the threshold decision-2 Nekakai path for performing binarization in reproducing multimedia information. Here, in the present embodiment, the binarization unit 188 and the threshold value determination circuit 226 in the reproduction system of FIG. 38 described above.
Is equivalent to.

This threshold value judgment / binarization circuit 1 is a binarization processing unit 2 for binarizing the dot code from the interpolating circuit in the preceding stage.
And a reference dot diameter detection unit 4 for detecting the reference dot diameter dn.
, A difference device 5 for calculating the difference between the reference dot diameter dn and the standard dot diameter dr, a threshold value creation unit 6 for creating a threshold value thn based on the difference from the difference device 5, and an absolute value of the difference by the difference device 5. An absolute value calculator 7 for calculating, compares the absolute value with a predetermined value ε, and outputs a binarized signal using an optimized threshold value thn if the absolute value is less than the predetermined value ε And the container 3.

The operation of the threshold value judging / binarizing circuit 1 thus constructed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the variable (the number of processing times) n is set to 1 (step S1). Next, only for the first time, a predetermined threshold value th
In n, the second and subsequent times are binarized by the previously determined threshold thn to obtain the reference dot diameter dn (step S2).

Next, the standard dot diameter dr and the reference dot diameter dn
And the absolute value difference is taken and compared with a predetermined value ε (step S
3). If the absolute value difference is larger than the predetermined value ε in this comparison (NO), it is considered that there is still a sufficient difference, and the standard dot diameter dr and the reference dot diameter dn are compared (step S).
4). If the reference dot diameter dn is larger (YES),
The reference threshold value thd is subtracted from the previous threshold value thn (step S5) to obtain a new threshold value, the variable n is incremented (step S7), the process returns to step S2, and the same processing is repeated. If the reference dot diameter dr is larger (NO), the previous threshold value thn and the reference threshold value thd are added (step S6), the variable n is incremented, and the process returns to step S2.

However, the predetermined value ε is obtained by the comparison in step S3.
If it is below (YES), the threshold value thn at that time is regarded as the optimum value, and the binarization processing result by the threshold value thn is output (step S8). In this way, the difference between the signal width dn obtained with the threshold value thn and the reference signal width dr is eliminated,
Feedback is repeated to create a threshold value, and the threshold value is optimized. Through such processing, before reading the data, the reference threshold values are used to converge to an appropriate threshold value.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a second embodiment and will be described.

Here, in the second and subsequent embodiments, the same parts as those forming the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

This threshold value judgment / binarization circuit 1 is a binarization processing unit 2 which binarizes the dot code from the interpolator in the preceding stage.
A maximum value / minimum value detection unit 8 for detecting the maximum / minimum value of the dot code (reference dot), a reference dot diameter detection unit 4 for detecting a reference dot diameter dn, a reference dot diameter dn and a standard dot diameter dr. And a differentiator 5 that takes the difference between
Internal division ratio creation unit 9 that creates an internal division ratio based on the difference from
A threshold value creating unit 6 that creates a threshold value thn based on the created internal division ratio and the maximum value minimum value, an absolute value calculator 7 that calculates the absolute value of the difference by the difference unit 5, and the absolute value Is compared with a predetermined value ε, and if the absolute value is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value ε, the comparator 3 outputs a binarized signal using the optimized threshold value thn.

The operation of the threshold value judging / binarizing circuit 1 thus constructed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the variable (the number of processing times) n is set to 1 (step S11). Next, only for the first time, a predetermined internal division ratio k
n, and thereafter, the previously obtained internal ratio kn + 1 is set as kn, and a threshold value thn is created by the following equation (step S12).

Thn ← min + kn × (max-min) (1) Next, the reference dot diameter dn is obtained by performing binarization with the obtained threshold value thn (step S13).

Next, the standard dot diameter dr and the reference dot diameter dn
The absolute value of the difference between and is taken and compared with a predetermined value ε (step S14). In this comparison, if it is less than or equal to the predetermined value ε (YE
S), assuming that the threshold value thn at that time is the optimum value, the binarization processing result by the threshold value thn is output (step S1).
9).

However, if it is larger than the predetermined value ε, (N
O), it is considered that there is still a sufficient difference, and the standard dot diameter dr and the reference dot diameter dn are compared (step S1).
5). If the reference dot diameter dn is larger (YES),
The reference internal division ratio kd is subtracted from the previous internal division ratio kn (step S16) to obtain a new internal division ratio, the variable n is incremented (step S18), and the process returns to step S12.
The same process is repeated. If the reference dot diameter dr is larger (NO), the previous internal division ratio kn is added to the reference internal division ratio kd (step S17) to obtain a new internal division ratio, and the variable n is incremented, It returns to step S12. In this way, feedback is repeated so that there is no difference between the signal width dn obtained with the threshold value thn and the reference signal width dr, and an optimal internal division ratio is created, and the threshold value is calculated based on the optimized internal division ratio. To create.

[0054] According to the second embodiment, the degraded reference dot diameter (one-dimensional width when, in the case of using a circular to the reference signal in a two-dimensional diameter) by detecting a deterioration signal The internal division ratio is calculated so that the reference signal width of is the optimum (target) value. Further, by adjusting the internal division ratio so that the reference dot diameter becomes an optimum value and determining the threshold value, it is possible to obtain a similar binarization result with respect to a deterioration signal obtained through media having different transfer characteristics. become.

Next, FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a third embodiment according to the present invention.

This threshold value judging / binarizing circuit 1 is a binarizing processing unit 2 for binarizing the dot code from the interpolating circuit in the preceding stage.
A maximum value minimum value detection unit 8 that detects the maximum value minimum value of the dot code (reference dot), a reference dot diameter detection unit 4 that detects the reference dot diameter dn, and a reference from the reference dot diameter detection unit 4. An internal division ratio creating unit 9 that sequentially creates an internal division ratio based on the dot diameter dn, and a threshold value creating unit 6 that creates a threshold value thn based on the created internal division ratio and the maximum value minimum value. . The internal ratio creating unit 9 has a counter function, and is provided with a table or the like for storing a slope a and a reference signal width dr shown in FIG. 6 described later.

In this embodiment, in the relationship between the internal division ratio (K) and the reference dot diameter (D), the inclination a shown in FIG.
As described above, when the transfer characteristic is limited so that the inclination becomes constant, the required internal division ratio can be directly obtained from one reference dot diameter. In the case of the recording paper, the conditional expression (2) can be satisfied even if the paper quality is different or the exposure amount at the time of printing is different as long as they are on the same paper surface.

Kr = (dr-d1) / a + k1 (2) Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the threshold value th1 is obtained from the following equation, from the predetermined internal division ratio k1 (step S31).

Th1 ← min + k1 × (max-min) (3) Binarization is performed based on the threshold th1 to obtain the reference dot d1 (step S32). Next, the internal ratio kr is calculated from the above-mentioned equation (2) (step S33). The threshold value thr is calculated based on the above equation (3) with the calculated internal division ratio kr (step S34). The binarization processing unit 2 performs binarization using the threshold thr and outputs (step S35).

Next, FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the marker on the recording paper is used as a substitute for the reference dot, and the threshold value is created from the average value of the diameters of the plurality of markers.

The threshold value judgment / binarization circuit 1 includes a low-pass filter (LPF) 11 for removing noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the preceding stage, and an equalization circuit 12 for compensating for waveform distortion and the like. And an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value corresponding to the image signal level are set in advance, and the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) and the maximum value and the allowable lower limit value (down value) of the image signal to be binarized are compared. A reading process determination circuit 13 that determines whether to stop the process when the image signal exceeds the upper and lower limits, a storage unit 14 that stores the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value, and a binarization processing unit 20 that performs binarization. Composed of.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reading processing judgment circuit 13 has a maximum value / minimum value detection section 15 for detecting the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal to be binarized, and an allowable upper limit read from the storage section 14. The comparator 16 compares the value with the minimum value, that is, determines whether it is too white, and outputs the comparator 16 when the minimum value exceeds the upper limit, and the allowable lower limit value and the maximum value read from the storage unit 14. Comparator 17 for comparing, that is, determining whether it is too black and outputting when the maximum value exceeds the lower limit
And O which outputs a read control signal for instructing to stop reading when either of the comparators 16 and 17 outputs.
And an R circuit 18.

FIG. 10 shows a specific configuration example of the binarization processing circuit 20 shown in FIG.

The binarization processing circuit 20 receives a threshold value in response to an instruction from the reading processing determination circuit 13 and only the first internal division ratio k from the storage unit 14 or the internal division ratio kr created thereafter.
a threshold value creating section 21 for creating thn, a binarization processing section 22 for binarizing the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolating circuit in the preceding stage based on the threshold value thn, and a reference dot from the dot code (reference dot) The reference dot diameter detection unit 23 that detects the diameter dn and the internal division ratio creation unit 24 that creates the internal division ratio k1 based on the reference dot diameter dn from the reference dot diameter detection unit 23.

FIG. 11 shows a concrete example of the configuration of the reference dot detecting section 23 shown in FIG.

The reference dot detector 23 includes a streak data calculation circuit 25 for calculating data for recognizing a marker by streak processing, a marker detection circuit 26 for outputting a marker from the data, and a marker diameter average calculation circuit 27. Composed of. Since the marker is defined as the largest dot in the dot code, streak data close to the known marker reference value is used to detect the marker by the average value of a plurality of data.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
Threshold value determination in the fourth embodiment having the above-described configuration
For the binary it will be explained.

First, noise is removed from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolation circuit by the LPF 11 (step S41), and then the equalization circuit 12 compensates for waveform distortion and the like (step S42). The maximum value / minimum value detection unit 15 detects the maximum value and the minimum value from the dot code (step S43).

Then, the comparator 16 compares the maximum value with the allowable lower limit value (down value) (step S44). If the allowable lower limit value is larger (YES), the process returns to step S41. However, if the allowable lower limit value is smaller (NO), the comparator 17 compares the minimum value with the allowable upper limit value (up value) (step S45). Here, if the allowable upper limit value is smaller (YES), it is determined whether or not this comparison has been performed an arbitrary number of times, for example, the second time (step S46), and if it is the second time or earlier (NO), the process proceeds to step S41. If it is the second return (YES), this series of processing is terminated. But,
If the allowable upper limit value is larger in step S45 (N
O), a threshold value th1 is created from the internal division ratio k1 determined only for the first time and the maximum value and the minimum value (step S47).

The dot code is binarized using this threshold th1 (step S48). After that, streak processing is performed (step S49), and marker detection processing is performed (step S50). The diameter average d1 of the detected plurality of markers is calculated (step S51), and the internal division ratio kr is obtained using the obtained diameter average d1 (step S52). Then, a new threshold value thr is created based on the internal division ratio kr and the maximum value and the minimum value (step S53),
The dot code is binarized again with this threshold value thr (step S54), and the process returns to step S41.

Next, FIG. 13 shows an example of the configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a fifth embodiment.

The threshold value judgment / binarization circuit 1 is a binarization processing unit 2 for binarizing the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the preceding stage with a threshold value, and the input of the dot code is a frame image. A frame counter 28 for counting in units of (hereinafter, referred to as a frame), a maximum / minimum value detector 8 for detecting the maximum / minimum value of the reference dot, and a reference dot diameter detector 4 for detecting the reference dot diameter dn. , An internal division ratio creating unit 9 that creates an internal division ratio based on the reference dot diameter dn and the number of frames by the frame counter 28 (the internal division ratio creating unit 9 is equivalent to that of the third embodiment). The threshold value creating unit 6 creates a threshold value thn from the internal division ratio and the maximum value / minimum value.

In the fifth embodiment, the frame counter 28
Counts the input image level in frame units,
The reference dot diameter detection unit 4 outputs the reference dot diameter when the reference dot exists in the frame, and outputs the non-detection signal when the reference dot does not exist. Then, the internal ratio creating unit 9 creates an internal ratio within the frame,
The threshold creation unit 6 creates a threshold from the internal division ratio.

That is, as shown in FIG. 14, in the frame 1, the threshold value is created by the preset internal division ratio kinit, but in the frame 2, the internal division ratio k1 from the reference dot diameter obtained in the frame 1 is used. Create a new threshold th1. In frame 3, the internal division ratio k2 obtained in frame 2
Is used to create a new threshold th2.

However, when the internal dot ratio cannot be created because the reference dot was not detected in the previous frame, the threshold value is created using the internal ratio of the previous two times. For example, frame 3
When the threshold value is created in, the internal division ratio k in frame 2
When 2 cannot be created, the internal division ratio k1 created in frame 1 is used.

Description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

It is assumed that the threshold value of the frame i (i = 1, 2, ...) Is created.

First, the variable (frame number) i is initialized to 1 (step S61). Next, it is judged whether or not 1 is set in the variable (step S62), and if 1 (YES), the internal division ratio kin preset as an initial value is set.
Put it as ki (step S63). However, if it is not 1 (NO), the internal division ratio (ki-1) created in the previous frame is set to ki (step S64).

Next, the threshold thi is obtained from the set internal division ratio ki, and the dot code (image signal level) in frame i is binarized and the result is output (step S65).

Further, at this time, it is judged whether or not the reference dot is detected in the frame i (step S66),
If it can be detected (YES), the internal division ratio ki ′ used for the next frame i + 1 is calculated based on the reference dot diameter (step S67). However, if the reference dot cannot be detected (NO), the previously created internal division ratio ki-1 is set as the internal division ratio used for the next frame i + 1 (step S68).

Next, it is judged whether or not the processing has been completed for all the frames (step S69). If the processing has not been completed (NO), the variable i is incremented (step S70) and the process returns to step S62. If the processing is completed (YES), the processing of this routine is completed.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

The sixth embodiment is an example in which the reference dots are arranged in the empty area before the reading start end, which is read before the data code, on the recording paper as shown in FIG. A plurality of reference dots are arranged in the area surrounded by the guideline that is the initial position (first frame) of the camera.

As shown in FIG. 17, the threshold value judgment / binarization circuit 1 includes a low-pass filter (L) which removes noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the preceding stage.
PF) 11, an equalization circuit 12 for compensating for waveform distortion, etc.,
An adaptive threshold detection unit 30 that detects the maximum value and the minimum value from the image signal level and creates a threshold value based on the internal division ratio kr created from the reference dot diameter, and the internal division ratio k1 used in the first processing.
And a storage unit 14 that stores an allowable upper limit value (up value) and an allowable lower limit value (down value), and a dot code based on a threshold value of 2
It is composed of a binarization processing unit 2 for digitizing.

As shown in FIG. 18, the adaptive threshold value detecting unit 30 detects the maximum value and the minimum value from the image signal of the dot code, the maximum value / minimum value detecting unit 15, and the internal content read from the storage unit 14. A threshold creation unit 31 that creates a threshold value from the ratio k1 and the maximum value and the minimum value, and a binarization processing unit 32 that binarizes the image signal of the dot code based on the threshold value.
And a reference dot detection unit 33 that calculates a reference dot diameter from the binarized data, and an internal division ratio creation unit 34 that creates a new internal division ratio kr from the reference dot diameter.

The reference dot detection unit 33 sets a reference dot position setting unit 35 for setting the position of the detected reference dot as shown in FIG. 19, and a streak data calculation unit 36 for performing a streak process on the reference dot at that position. And a reference dot diameter average calculation unit 37 that calculates the average value of the reference dot diameter for each frame.

As shown in FIG. 20, the binarization processing unit 2
Reads the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value stored in advance corresponding to the image signal level from the storage unit 14, and the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) and the maximum value and the allowable lower limit of the image signal to be binarized. The reading process determination circuit 13 that compares the values (down value) and determines to stop the process when the image signal exceeds the upper and lower limits, and the internal division ratio k from the adaptive threshold value detection unit 30.
The threshold value creating unit 21 creates a threshold value thr from r and the maximum value and the minimum value, and the binarization processing unit 22 that binarizes the image signal signal level based on the threshold value thr.

The operation of the threshold value judging / binarizing circuit configured in this way will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, noise is removed from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolation circuit by the LPF 11 (step S71), and then the equalization circuit 12 compensates for waveform distortion and the like (step S72). The maximum value / minimum value detection unit 15 detects the maximum value and the minimum value from the dot code (step S73).

Then, it is judged whether or not it is the first frame (step S74), and if it is the first frame (YES), a threshold th1 is created from the internal division ratio k1 and the maximum and minimum values (step S75). Using this threshold th1, the dot code (image signal level) is binarized (step S76), the reference dot position is set (step S77), and then
Streak processing is performed (step S78), and the average value d1 of the reference dot diameters is calculated (step S79). A new internal division ratio kr is created based on this average value d1 (step S80), and the process returns to step S71.

If it is determined in step S74 that the frame is not the first frame (NO), the maximum value and the allowable lower limit value (do
wn value) is compared (step S81), and if the allowable lower limit value is larger (YES), the process returns to step S71. However, if the allowable lower limit value is smaller (NO), then the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) are compared (step S8).
2). In this comparison, if the allowable upper limit value is smaller (YE
S), the processing of this series of routines ends. However, in this comparison, if the allowable upper limit value is larger (NO), the previously calculated internal division ratio kr and the maximum value and the minimum value are compared with the threshold value thr.
Is created (step S83). Binarization processing of the dot code is performed using this threshold value thr (step S8).
4) and returns to step S71.

Next, a threshold judgment / binarization circuit as a seventh embodiment will be explained.

In the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, in the recording paper, the recording paper and information related to the recording (for example,
Multiple attribute dots including the exposure value at the time of recording, etc. are arranged in the empty area before the reading start end, which is read before the data code, that is, in the area surrounded by the guideline of the initial position (first frame) of the camera. There is.

As shown in FIG. 23, this threshold value judgment / binarization circuit is a low-pass filter (LP) that removes noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the previous stage.
F) 11, an equalization circuit 12 for compensating for waveform distortion, an internal division ratio kr corresponding to attribute dots, and an allowable upper limit value (up value) and an allowable lower limit value (down) corresponding to the image signal level in advance.
Value), an attribute dot detector 38 for detecting an attribute dot code, a maximum value / minimum value from an image signal level, and an internal division ratio kr is obtained from the detected attribute code to set a threshold value. A binarization processing unit 39 that calculates and binarizes the dot code based on this threshold value.

As shown in FIG. 24, the binarization processing unit 39 reads the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value from the storage unit 14, and the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) of the image signal level to be binarized. ) And the maximum value and the allowable lower limit value (down value) are compared with each other, and the reading process determination circuit 40 for determining the stop of the process when the image signal exceeds the upper and lower limit, and the attribute detected by the attribute dot detection unit 38. reads the internal ratio kr corresponding to the dot from the storage unit 14, which with the maximum value and the threshold creation unit 41 that creates a threshold thr and a minimum value, the binary pre-Symbol image signal level on the basis of the threshold value thr Turn into 2
It is configured by the value conversion processing unit 42.

The threshold value judgment / binarization in the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the LPF 11 removes noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolation circuit (step S91), and then the equalization circuit 12 compensates for waveform distortion and the like (step S92).

Then, it is judged whether or not it is the first frame (step S93), and if it is the first frame (YES), the internal division ratio k is determined by the attribute dot detected by the attribute dot detection section.
r is created (step S94), and the threshold value thr is created from the maximum value and the minimum value (step S95). This threshold thr
Is used to binarize the dot code (image signal level) (step S96), and the process returns to step S91.

If it is determined in step S93 that the first frame cannot be reached (NO), the maximum value and the allowable lower limit value (d
(own value) is compared (step S97), and if the allowable lower limit value is larger (YES), the process returns to step S91. However, if the allowable lower limit value is smaller (NO), then the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) are compared (step S9).
8). In this comparison, if the allowable upper limit value is smaller (YE
S), the processing of this series of routines ends. However, in this comparison, if the allowable upper limit value is larger (NO), the process proceeds to step S95, and the threshold value thr is created.

Next, a threshold judgment / binarization circuit as an eighth embodiment will be explained.

The eighth embodiment is as shown in FIG.
It is used for a recording paper in which a recording paper and an attribute dot including information related to recording are arranged as header information in a head area (upper area in the figure) of a data code.

As shown in FIG. 27, this threshold value judgment / binarization circuit is a low-pass filter (LP) which removes noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the preceding stage.
F) 11, an equalization circuit 12 for compensating for waveform distortion and the like, a storage unit 14 for storing an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value corresponding to an image signal level in advance, a minimum value of an image signal to be binarized and an allowable value. Upper limit value (up value) and maximum value and allowable lower limit value (d
The read processing determination circuit 43 that compares the (own value) and determines whether to stop the processing when the image signal exceeds the upper and lower limits, and a binarization processing circuit 44 that performs binarization. The read processing determination circuit 43 is equivalent to the read processing determination circuit 13.

FIG. 28 shows a specific configuration example of the binarization processing circuit 44 shown in FIG.

The binarization processing circuit 44 receives the first internal division ratio k1 from the storage unit 14 or the internal division ratio kr created thereafter and the instruction from the read processing determination circuit 43,
A threshold generation unit 45 that generates a threshold th, a binarization processing unit 46 that binarizes the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolator in the previous stage based on the threshold th, and header information is detected from the dot code. The header information detection unit 47 and an internal division ratio creation unit 48 that creates an internal division ratio kr based on the header information from the header information detection unit 47.

An example of the structure of the header information detecting section 47 is shown in FIG.
9 and will be described.

A streak data calculation section 49 for calculating streak data from the data binarized by the binarization processing section 46, a marker detection section 50 for detecting a marker in the calculated streak data, and a center of the marker. To detect the pattern code, a PCD detecting section 51 for detecting the pattern code, a marker true center detecting section 52 for detecting the true center of the marker detected based on the pattern code, and header information for reading the header information based on the position of the marker. And a reading unit 53.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 30,
The operation of the threshold value judgment / binarization circuit of the eighth embodiment will be described.

First, the LPF 11 removes noise from the dot code (image signal level) from the interpolation circuit (step S101), and then the equalization circuit 12 compensates for waveform distortion and the like (step S102). The maximum value and the minimum value are detected from the dot code (step S103).

Then, the maximum value and the allowable lower limit value (dow
The n values are compared (step S104), and if the allowable lower limit value is larger (YES), the process returns to step S101. However, if the allowable lower limit value is smaller (NO), the minimum value and the allowable upper limit value (up value) are compared (step S10).
5). Here, if the allowable upper limit value is smaller (YE
S), and it is judged whether or not this comparison is the second time (step S10).
6) If it is before the second time (NO), step S101
If it is the second time (YES), this series of processing ends. However, if the allowable upper limit value is larger in step S105 (NO), the threshold value th1 is created from the internal division ratio k1 determined only for the first time and the maximum value and the minimum value (step S).
107).

The dot code is binarized using this threshold th1 (step S108). After that, streak processing is performed (step S109), and marker detection processing is performed (step S110). Further, the pattern code is detected (step S111), and the true center of the marker is detected based on the obtained pattern code (step S11).
2) The attribute code included in the header information is read and the corresponding internal division ratio kr is obtained (step S11).
3). Then, a new threshold value thr is created based on the internal division ratio kr and the maximum value and the minimum value (step S114),
The dot code is binarized again with this threshold value thr (step S115), and the process returns to step S101.
From the above recording paper a dot code (see dots, markers, dependent dots, etc.) reads, has been described for Example for creating a threshold, in accordance with the paper quality when printed on the recording sheet, dots during printing The diameter and print density can also be adjusted.

When adjusting the dot diameter at the time of printing, as shown in FIG. 31, in order to determine the resolution peculiar to the printing machine, a group of dots whose diameter is changed stepwise is printed and read. The dot diameter that gives the closest result to both of the dot groups is selected as the dot diameter at the time of printing.
The dot diameter is recorded so as to be different for each predetermined step of the minimum resolution of the printing machine.

FIG. 33 shows an example of the configuration of the ninth embodiment, which will be described.

The ninth embodiment is roughly divided into a printing machine 61 for printing on printing paper, an image input section 62, a binarization processing section 63, and a dot diameter determination section 64.

The binarization processing unit 63 is provided in the image input unit 62.
A maximum value / minimum value detection unit 65 that detects the maximum value and the minimum value from the dot code from, and an internal division ratio holding unit 66 that is determined to be used during reproduction and that outputs a predetermined internal division ratio, The threshold value creating unit 67 creates a threshold value based on the maximum value and the minimum value and the internal division ratio, and the binarization processing unit 68 that binarizes the dot code based on the threshold value.

The dot diameter determining unit 64 detects the dot diameter dn from the binarized dot code, and the difference calculator 70 for calculating the difference between the optimum dot diameter dr and the dot diameter dn. A counter 71 that counts the number of detected dot diameters, an absolute value calculator 72 that calculates the absolute value of the difference, a buffer 73 that stores the minimum value of the dot diameters up to the previous time, and an absolute value of the difference. And buffer 73
And a comparator 74 for comparing the minimum value from The minimum value that is closest to the absolute value of the difference is output to the printing machine 61 as the optimum dot diameter.

The operation of the ninth embodiment thus constituted will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, dots D1, D2 having different diameters
.., Dn are printed (step S121). The printed dots are read (step S122), and the maximum value (max) and the minimum value (min) are obtained (step S1).
23).

Then, the threshold value th is obtained by using the maximum value and the minimum value and the internal division ratio k which is determined to be used at the time of reproduction and is given in advance (step S124). The threshold value th is used to binarize the dot code (step S125), and the variable n is set to 1 (step S12).
6).

It is determined whether the variable n is 1 (step S12).
7) If 1 (YES), this is the first process and there is no previous process, which is the minimum. Therefore, the absolute value difference between the read dot diameter dn of the dot and the reference dot diameter dr is set to the minimum value def_min. (Step S128). The variable 1 (n) at that time is set to n_min (step S12
9) and proceeds to step S134.

However, if n is not 1 in step S127 (NO), the absolute value difference between the dot diameter dn and the dot diameter dr is set to def (step S130). This def
And the minimum value def_min up to now are compared (step S131). If the minimum value def_min is larger (YES), def is set to the new minimum value def_min (step S132), and the variable n is also set to n_min (step S132). S133) and n are incremented (step S134). In step S131, the minimum value de
If f_min is smaller (NO), the minimum value is not changed and the process proceeds to step S134.

Then, it is judged whether or not the processing has been completed for all n (step S135), and if not completed (NO), the procedure returns to step S127, and if completed (YES), the dot diameter is Dn_min. Data printing is started (step S136).

Next, FIG. 35 shows a tenth embodiment for adjusting the dot density during printing.

In the ninth embodiment described above, the dot diameter was adjusted during printing, but in this embodiment the dot density is adjusted. Here, the same components as those of the ninth embodiment in the components of the tenth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

When adjusting the dot density during printing,
As shown in FIG. 32, empirically an appropriate print density difference Gn is used as an initial value, printing is performed many times, and the print density is converged until it is detected as an appropriate density value.

The tenth embodiment is roughly composed of a printing machine 61, an image input section 62, a binarization processing section 63, and a dot density determination section 75.

The binarization processing unit 63 is equivalent to that of the ninth embodiment, and has a maximum value / minimum value detection unit 65 and an internal division ratio generation unit 66.
And a threshold value generation unit 67 and a binarization processing unit 68.

Further, the dot density determining section 75 has a dot diameter detecting section 69 for detecting the dot diameter dn and a dot diameter d.
A differencer 70 for calculating the difference between r and the dot diameter dn, an absolute value calculator 72 for calculating the absolute value of the difference, and a comparator 7 for comparing whether the absolute value of the difference is within a predetermined allowable range ε.
6 and a print density indicator 77 for instructing the print density from the difference if within the predetermined allowable range ε.

The operation of the thus constructed tenth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the variable n is set to 1 (step S
141). A dot whose density difference from the background area is Gn is printed (step S142). The printed dots are read (step S143), the maximum value max n and the minimum value m
in n is calculated (step S144). Then, the threshold value thn is obtained by using the maximum value and the minimum value and the internal division ratio k which is decided to be used at the time of reproduction and is given in advance (step S145). Binarization of the dot code is performed using this threshold value thn (step S146). It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the reference dot diameter dr and the read dot diameter dn is within a predetermined allowable range ε (step S1).
47), if outside the allowable range ε (NO), the dot diameter dr
And the dot diameter dn are compared with each other (step S148).

If the dot diameter dn is larger in this comparison (YES), the difference between the density difference Gn for the dot diameter dn and the density difference Gd for the dot diameter dr is set as a new density difference Gn + 1 (step S149), n is incremented (step S150). If the dot diameter dr is larger (YES), the sum of the density difference Gn and the density difference Gd is set as a new density difference Gn + 1 (step S151) and step S1.
Move to 50.

If the absolute value difference is within the allowable range ε in step S147 (YES), the data is printed with dots having a density difference Gn from the background area (step S15).
2). Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. In the ninth and tenth embodiments described above, the dot diameter and the print density of the dots were adjusted by performing one trial printing, but as shown in FIG.
If the known relationship between the paper type and the density (exposure amount) due to printing is known, a table of the correspondence table is created in advance in a personal computer or the like, and the specified paper type and the density (exposure amount due to printing) are specified. It is also possible to easily instruct the printing machine of the dot diameter at the time of printing from the information in (1).

Although the description has been made on the basis of the above embodiments, the present invention includes the following inventions, operations and effects.

(1) A desired dot code is read from a recording medium in which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data is recorded as an optically readable dot code, and the desired dot code is read. In an information reproducing system that creates binarized data from an image signal corresponding to a code and restores the binarized data to the original multimedia information, for setting a threshold value for creating the binarized data The recording medium on which reference dots having a known size to be used as a reference are arranged, and the reference dots are detected before the binarized data is created from the image signal, and the size of the detected reference dots and the reference Threshold value setting means for resetting the threshold value so that the difference is a predetermined target value by comparing with a known size of the dot. Threshold judgment / binarization circuit.

Therefore, the diameter of the reference dot detected by the reference dot detecting means is compared with a preset reference value of the dot diameter, and the threshold value is adjusted so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. The same binarizing effect can be obtained for image signals obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state and optical system).

(2) Reading means for reading the dot code from a recording medium recorded with optically readable dot code of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data. And information including binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code read by the reading means, and restoring means for restoring the binarized data from the binarizing means into multimedia information. In the binarizing means of the reproducing system, reference dots to be used as a reference for setting the threshold value in the binarizing means are arranged on the recording medium, and further, reference dots for detecting the reference dots. Detecting means, means for detecting a maximum value and a minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code; and an interval between the maximum value and the minimum value. Means for setting the internal division ratio that represents the
A threshold setting means that compares the diameter of the reference dot based on the threshold calculated using this internal division ratio with a preset reference value, and resets the threshold so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. And a threshold value judging / binarizing circuit.

Therefore, the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the Tot code are detected, and the threshold value is calculated using the internal division ratio representing the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value. As a result, a binarized result that is stable to some extent can be obtained against illumination, uneven recording, stains on the dot code, and the like.

Further, binarization is performed based on the threshold value calculated from this internal division ratio, and the detected reference dot diameter and
Image signals obtained from different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state and optical system) by comparing with a preset reference value and adjusting the internal division ratio so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. On the other hand, a similar binarization effect can be obtained.

(3) The threshold setting means resets the threshold so that the difference between the reference dot diameter and the reference value becomes a predetermined target value every time the internal division ratio is set. The threshold value judgment / binarization circuit described in (2) above.

Therefore, the adjustment of the internal division ratio described in the item (2) is performed until the difference between the reference dot diameter and the reference value reaches a predetermined target value. If the reference dot diameter is smaller than the standard value, the internal division ratio is increased, and in the opposite case, the internal division ratio is decreased. Since the threshold value for adaptive binarization is calculated by this iterative process, the optimum (precisely) internal division ratio can be obtained.

(4) The threshold value setting means obtains an internal division ratio that directly becomes a reference value from the detected reference dot diameter on the basis of the relation information between the internal division ratio and the reference dot diameter, and (2) characterized in that the threshold value is reset
The described threshold value judgment / binarization circuit. Therefore, in the adjustment of the internal division ratio described in the above item (2), the internal division ratio is directly determined from the detected reference dot diameter based on the relation information between the internal division ratio and the reference dot diameter. By determining, it can be done efficiently and accurately.

(5) The dot code recorded on the recording medium is composed of a data code corresponding to the multimedia information and a pattern code for determining a read reference point of the data code, and the reference dot is The threshold value judgment / binarization circuit according to (1) or (2), which is at least a part of the pattern code.

Therefore, in order to read the data code recorded on the recording medium, the pattern code for determining the reading reference point is arranged. The pattern code has a known diameter in the original signal and is arranged in isolation.
Therefore, by using this pattern code as the reference dot described in the above (1) and (2), the reference dot can be easily detected and the accuracy of the detected reference dot diameter can be improved.

(6) The dot code recorded on the recording medium includes a data code corresponding to the multimedia information, a pattern code for determining a reference point for starting the reading of the data code, and the pattern code. Included, a marker with a size different from other dot sizes,
The threshold determination according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the marker is used as a reference dot.
Binarization circuit.

Therefore, in order to read the data code recorded on the recording medium, the pattern code for determining the reading reference point is arranged. There is a marker included in the pattern code and different from other dot sizes. This marker has a known diameter in the original signal, is several times larger than the other dots, and is arranged in isolation.
Therefore, by using this marker as the reference dot described in the items (1) and (2), the reference dot can be detected easily and at high speed.

(7) The reference dot detection means includes marker detection means for detecting all or some of the markers in the optically read dot code.
The described threshold value judgment / binarization circuit.

Therefore, by detecting all the markers in the optically read dot code as reference dots, the accuracy of the detected reference dot diameter can be increased. Further, the detection speed of the reference dots can be increased by detecting some (a plurality) of the optically read dot codes as reference dots.

(8) The marker detecting means includes a specific marker detecting means for detecting only a plurality of the markers in distinction from other dot codes, and an average value of a plurality of marker diameters detected by the specific marker detecting means is calculated. The threshold value determination / binarization circuit according to (7), wherein the diameter of the reference dot is used.

Therefore, the accuracy of the reference dot diameter can be increased by setting the average value of the detected marker diameters as the reference dot diameter.

(9) When there are a plurality of the reference dots arranged on the recording medium, the average value of the diameters of the plurality of reference dots is set as the diameter of the reference dot (1) or (2). The described threshold value judgment / binarization circuit.

Therefore, by providing a plurality of reference dots arranged on the recording medium and setting the average value of the diameters of the plurality of reference dots as the detected reference dot diameter, the same effect as in the above item 8 is obtained. You can

(10) The binarizing means sets an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value for the image signal level corresponding to the read dot code, and determines the minimum value of the image signal level to be binarized. When the allowable upper limit value is exceeded, or when the maximum value of the image signal level is lower than the allowable lower limit value, the subsequent processing relating to the image signal is stopped. circuit.

Therefore, the binarizing means described in the item (2) should be binarized by providing an allowable upper limit value and an allowable lower limit value for the image signal level corresponding to the read dot code. When the minimum value of the image signal level exceeds the allowable upper limit value, or when the maximum value of the image signal level is lower than the allowable lower limit value, the reproduction processing is stopped by stopping the subsequent processing related to the image signal. It is possible to speed up.

(11) The binarizing means performs the binarizing process on the image signal read by the reading means in units of fields or frames. Threshold value judgment / binarization according to (1) or (2). circuit.

Therefore, the binarizing means described in the above items (1) and (2) can speed up the process by performing the binarizing process on the read image signal in field or frame units. It is possible to give the playback side real-time performance. Also, the processing memory can be saved.

(12) Depending on the reference dot presence / absence determining means for determining the presence / absence of the reference dot in the field image or frame image read by the reading means, and the determination result by the reference dot presence / absence determining means, The threshold value determination / binarization circuit according to (11), further including means for adaptively selecting a reference dot to be used for the threshold value setting.

Therefore, the presence or absence of the reference dot in the read field image or frame image is discriminated, and whether or not the binarization threshold setting process is performed is determined according to the discrimination result. If there is no reference dot in the current image, the threshold setting process is not performed. This makes it possible to speed up the process.

(13) The selected reference dot to be used for the threshold setting is the reference dot detected in the previous field image or the previous frame image in the image read by the reading means. Threshold judgment / binarization circuit.

Therefore, if there is no reference dot in the current image, the binarization threshold value set from the image immediately before the current image or the internal division ratio described in the above item (2) is used for the current image. Can prevent the loss of data.

(14) The binarizing means performs a binarizing process on the image signal read by the reading means on a field or frame basis, and the binarizing means sets the field or frame image. The threshold value determination / binarization circuit according to (12), further including means for applying the internal division ratio or the threshold value to each image subsequent to the field or frame image.

Therefore, the binarizing means described in the above item (12) performs the binarization processing for the read image signal in the unit of the binarization processing field or frame, and sets the binarization by setting from the current field or the frame image. By applying the threshold value or the internal division ratio to each image subsequent to the current field or the frame image, the processing speed can be increased.

(15) In the dot code recorded on the recording medium, attribute dots containing information on the recording medium are arranged in a predetermined area on the reading start end side in order to set a threshold value in the binarizing means. The binarizing means performs the binarizing process on the image signal read by the reading means in units of fields or frames, and the attribute dots detecting means for detecting the attribute dots. The threshold value determination according to (1) or (2), further including means for applying the information about the recording medium detected by the attribute dot detection means in an image to each image subsequent to the field or frame image.・ Binarization circuit.

Therefore, the binarizing means described in the above item (1) or (2) performs the binarizing processing on the image signal read by the reading means in units of fields or frames, and the current field or frame. In the image, attribute dots including information related to the recording medium are arranged on the recording medium in order to set a threshold value for binarization.
By applying the information related to the recording medium obtained by detecting the attribute dot to each image subsequent to the current field or frame image,
The same effect as the item (14) is obtained.

(16) Reading means for reading the dot code from a recording medium on which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data is recorded as an optically readable dot code. And binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code read by the reading means, and restoring means for restoring the binary data from the binarizing means into multimedia information. In the binarizing means of the information reproducing system, in the dot code recorded on the recording medium, an attribute including information on the recording medium in a predetermined area on the reading start end side in order to set a threshold value in the binarizing means. Dots are arranged, and the binarization means detects the attribute dots by the attribute dot detection means and the detection means. And a storage unit that holds a correspondence relationship between information about a recording medium based on the attribute dots and an internal division ratio that represents a ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the attribute dots. Then, the storage unit obtains an internal division ratio corresponding to the detected attribute dot, and a threshold value setting unit for setting the threshold value together with the maximum value and the minimum value.・
Binarization circuit.

Therefore, in the dot code recorded on the recording medium, attribute dots including information relating to the recording medium are arranged in a predetermined area on the reading start end side in order to set the threshold value for binarization. The converting means detects this attribute dot, and on the basis of information relating to the recording medium based on the attribute dot, a one-to-one correspondence with an internal division ratio representing a ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code. The corresponding internal division ratio is obtained by the correspondence relationship of, and the threshold is set together with the maximum value and the minimum value. Since the information on the recording medium is directly recorded as attribute dots, the reliability and accuracy of the obtained internal division ratio can be improved.

(17) The threshold value judging / binarizing circuit according to (16), wherein the predetermined area is an empty area outside the dot code end, and a display indicating a scanning start position corresponding to the area is provided.

Therefore, the attribute dot is recorded in the empty area outside the dot code end, and by providing a means for indicating the scanning start position corresponding to the area, the attribute dot can be detected first and can be detected easily.

(18) The threshold value judgment / binarization circuit according to (16), wherein the predetermined area is a header information recording area in a dot code recording area.

Therefore, by recording the attribute dots in the header information recording area in the dot code recording area,
It is easy to support the data format, and it is easy to connect information from recording to playback.

(19) The threshold value judgment / binarization according to the above (16), wherein the information concerning the recording medium represented by the attribute dot is the material of the medium or the exposure amount (recording state) at the time of recording. circuit.

Therefore, the information relating to the recording medium represented by the attribute dots is the material of the medium or the exposure amount (recording state) at the time of recording. The effect of item (16) can be obtained by obtaining the internal division ratio used for setting the corresponding threshold value according to different materials and recording states.

(20) Reading means for reading the dot code from a recording medium on which multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data is recorded as an optically readable dot code. And binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code read by the reading means;
In a recording medium used in an information reproducing system provided with a restoring means for restoring the binarized data from the binarizing means to multimedia information, the binarizing means detects the dot diameter and the preset dot diameter. A recording medium having a reference dot to be used as a standard when resetting the threshold value so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value by comparing with a reference value.

Therefore, the reference dots are arranged on the recording medium, and the binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code for reading the dot code detects this reference dot and detects the detected reference dot. Is compared with the preset reference value of the dot diameter, and the threshold value is adjusted so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. By thus providing the recording medium with the reference dots, it is possible to obtain a similar binarization effect for image signals obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state, and optical system).

(21) Reading means for reading the dot code from a recording medium recorded with optically readable dot code of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data. And binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code read by the reading means;
In a recording medium used in an information reproducing system provided with a restoring means for restoring the binarized data from the binarizing means into multimedia information, the binarizing means sets a maximum value of an image signal level corresponding to the dot code. Find the minimum value,
An internal division ratio that represents the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value is set, and the detected dot diameter based on the threshold value calculated using this internal division ratio is compared with a preset reference value. A recording medium having a reference dot that serves as a standard when the threshold is reset so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value.

Therefore, the reference dots are arranged on the recording medium, and the binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code for reading the dot code detects this reference dot and detects the detected reference dot. Of the image signal level is compared with a preset reference value of the dot diameter, and an internal division ratio representing the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level is set so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value. Then, the threshold value is obtained together with the maximum value and the minimum value. By thus setting the reference dot on the recording medium and resetting the threshold value according to the maximum value, the minimum value, and the internal division ratio, the image signals obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state and optical system) can be changed. On the other hand, the same binarization effect can be obtained, and it is possible to deal with stains on the dot code.

(22) The recording medium according to (20) or (21), wherein the reference dots are recorded in at least a predetermined area on the read start end side of the dot code.

Therefore, by recording the reference dot in a predetermined area on the side of the dot code reading start end, the reference dot can be detected first.

(23) The recording medium according to (22), wherein the predetermined area is an empty area outside a dot code reading start end.

Therefore, by recording the reference dot in the empty area outside the dot code reading start end, the reference dot can be easily distinguished from the dot code and can be easily detected.

(24) The recording medium according to (23), wherein a positioning frame for positioning the information reproducing apparatus is provided so as to surround the reference dots recorded in the empty area outside the reading start end.

Therefore, by arranging a frame for positioning in order to determine the reading position in the information reproducing apparatus so as to surround the reference dot recorded in the empty area outside the reading start end, the above (22) and Both effects of item (23) can be obtained. (25) The recording medium according to (22), wherein the predetermined area is within a dot code recording area.

Therefore, by recording the reference dots in the dot code recording area, for example, in the header area, it is easy to adapt to the data format and to easily connect the information recording to reproduction.

(26) The dot code recorded on the recording medium comprises a data code corresponding to the multimedia information and a pattern code for determining a read reference point of the data code, and the reference dot is The recording medium according to (20) or (21), which is at least a part of the pattern code.

Therefore, in order to read the data code recorded on the recording medium described in the above (20) and (21), the pattern code for determining the read reference point is recorded on this recording medium. The pattern code has a known diameter in the original signal and is arranged in isolation. Therefore, this pattern code is (20) and (2
By using the reference dot described in the item 1), the reference dot can be easily detected and the accuracy of the detected reference dot diameter can be improved.

(27) The dot code recorded on the recording medium is included in the data code corresponding to the multimedia information, the pattern code for determining the read reference point of the data code, and the pattern code. , (20) or (2), wherein the reference dot is the marker.
The recording medium described in 1).

Therefore, in order to read the data code recorded on the recording medium described in the above (20) and (21), the pattern code for determining the read reference point is recorded on this recording medium. There is a marker included in the pattern code and different from other dot sizes. This marker has a known diameter in the original signal, is several times larger than the other dots, and is arranged in isolation. Therefore, by using this marker as the reference dot described in the above (20) and (21), the reference dot can be detected easily and at high speed.

(28) The recording medium according to (20) or (21), wherein a plurality of the reference dots are recorded.

Therefore, by recording a plurality of reference dots described in the above (20) and (21) on the recording medium, the accuracy of the detected reference dot diameter can be improved.

(29) Reading means for reading the dot code from a recording medium recorded with optically readable dot code of multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data. And binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code read by the reading means;
In a recording medium used in an information reproducing system including a restoring unit that restores binarized data from a binarizing unit to multimedia information, information relating to the recording medium is provided at least in a predetermined area on the reading start end side of the dot code. Is recorded, the binarizing unit detects the attribute dot, information about the recording medium based on the detected attribute dot, and the maximum and minimum values of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code. And an attribute dot for setting a corresponding internal division ratio from a one-to-one correspondence with an internal division ratio indicating between and, and setting a binarization threshold together with the maximum value and the minimum value. Recording medium.

Therefore, attribute dots containing information relating to the recording medium are arranged on the recording medium, and the binarizing means for binarizing the image signal corresponding to the dot code to read the dot code detects this attribute dot. Then, from the information related to the recording medium based on the detected attribute dot, it corresponds by a one-to-one correspondence relationship with the internal division ratio representing the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal level corresponding to the dot code. The internal division ratio is obtained, and the threshold value is set together with the maximum value and the minimum value. Since the information related to the recording medium is directly recorded on the recording medium as attribute dots in this way, the reliability of the obtained internal division ratio and the accuracy are high, and by setting the threshold value together with the maximum value and the minimum value, Similar binarization effects can be obtained for image signals obtained by different transfer characteristics (medium, recording state, and optical system), and it is possible to deal with stains on dot codes.

(30) The recording medium according to (29), wherein the predetermined area is provided in an empty area on the side of the dot code reading start end.

Therefore, by recording the attribute dot in the empty area outside the dot code reading start end, the attribute dot can be easily distinguished from the dot code and can be easily detected.

(31) The recording medium according to (29), wherein the predetermined area is within a dot code recording area.

Therefore, by recording the attribute dots in the dot code recording area, the data redundancy can be suppressed and the connection with the reproduction processing system can be facilitated.

(32) The recording medium according to (29), wherein the attribute dots are recorded in a header information recording area in a dot code recording area.

Therefore, since the attribute dots are recorded in the header information recording area in the dot code recording area, the data format can be easily accommodated and the connection from information recording to reproduction can be facilitated.

(33) The recording medium according to (29), wherein the information on the recording medium represented by the attribute dot is a material of the medium or an exposure amount (recording information) at the time of recording.

Therefore, the information concerning the recording medium represented by the attribute dot is the material of the medium or the exposure amount (recording state) at the time of recording. The effect of the above item (29) can be obtained by obtaining the internal division ratio used for setting the corresponding threshold value according to different materials and recording states.

(34) In a recording device for recording multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data on a recording medium by an optically readable dot code, the diameters thereof are different from each other. The reference dot recording means for recording at least two or more types of reference dots, the reading means for reading the reference dots recorded by the reference dot recording means, and binarizing the image signal, and the reading means. Reference dot selection means for comparing each read binarized reference dot diameter with a reference value and selecting one reference dot that is the same or similar, and a reference dot selected by the reference dot selection means. A recording device for recording a dot code corresponding to the multimedia information based on the above.

Therefore, a plurality of recorded reference dots having different diameters are read, each read and binarized reference dot diameter is compared with a preset reference value, and a match or approximation is made. It is possible to obtain a stable binarizing effect by selecting the reference dot of and recording the dot code corresponding to the multimedia information based on the selected reference dot.

(35) At least two or more types of reference dots recorded by the reference dot recording means are recorded so that their diameters are different at each predetermined step of the minimum resolution of the recording apparatus. (3
4) The recording device as described above.

Therefore, the plurality of reference dots having different diameters described above are recorded such that the diameters thereof are different at each predetermined step of the minimum resolution of the recording apparatus, so that the diameter of the selected reference dot is changed. It can match or be fairly close to the reference value.

(36) In a recording device for recording multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data on a recording medium in an optically readable dot code, the recording densities are mutually different. Reference dot recording means capable of recording different reference dots, reading means for reading the reference dots recorded by the reference dot recording means and binarizing the image signal, and reading and binarizing processing by the reading means. A recording device that compares a reference dot diameter with a reference value, adjusts the recording density of the recording device so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value, and records a dot code corresponding to the multimedia information.

Therefore, in a recording apparatus capable of recording reference dots having different recording densities, the recorded reference dots are read, and the read and binarized reference dot diameters are compared with the reference value. By adjusting the recording density of the recording apparatus so that the difference becomes a predetermined target value and recording the dot code corresponding to the multimedia information, a stable binarization effect can be obtained.

(37) In a recording device for recording multimedia information including at least one of audio information, image information and digital code data on a recording medium by an optically readable dot code, the recording device comprises: An input unit for inputting information about the medium, a preset information about the medium, and a storage unit for storing a correspondence relationship between the dot diameter or density at the time of recording,
A recording apparatus, wherein a corresponding dot diameter or density is read from the storage device based on information about the medium input by the input unit, and recording is performed using the read dot diameter or density.

Therefore, in the recording apparatus having the input means capable of inputting the information regarding the recording medium, the preset correspondence relationship with the dot diameter or the density at the time of recording is based on the information regarding the medium input by the input means. The corresponding dot diameter or density is read out, and recording is performed using this dot diameter or density. Since the information related to the recording medium is directly input, the reliability and accuracy of the binarized result can be improved.

[0208]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the influence of variations in the density of ink and the diameter of dots caused by the unevenness of illumination during reproduction, the quality of printing paper, or the error in the amount of exposure during printing is affected. An information reproducing system and a recording medium that generate an appropriate threshold value without being processed and perform binary data processing of an information code pattern
A body, a recording device, and a recording method can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a threshold judgment of an information reproducing system according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the structural example of 1st Example of a digitization circuit.

2 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a second embodiment.

4 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an internal division ratio and a reference dot diameter.

7 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a fourth embodiment.

9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reading process determination circuit shown in FIG.

10 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of the binarization processing circuit shown in FIG.

11 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of the reference dot detection unit shown in FIG.

12 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the fifth embodiment.

15 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example (format) of reference dots of recording paper used in a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an adaptive threshold detection unit shown in FIG.

19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a reference dot detection unit shown in FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the binarization processing circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a configuration example (format) of attribute dots of recording paper used in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a threshold determination / binarization circuit as a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a binarization processing unit shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a configuration example (format) of attribute dots of recording paper used in an eighth embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the configuration of a threshold value judgment / binarization circuit as an eighth embodiment.

28 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of the binarization processing circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the header information detecting unit shown in FIG. 28.

Figure 30 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the configuration of a threshold determination / binarization circuit as a ninth embodiment.

34 is a flowchart for explaining about the threshold decision-binarized by the ninth embodiment.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing the structure of an output device for adjusting the dot density during printing as a tenth embodiment.

36 is a flowchart for explaining Te with <br/> the threshold decision-binarized by the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an eleventh embodiment.

[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional multimedia information reproducing apparatus.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the relationship between the waveforms of the original signal and the deterioration signal of the reference dot, the detected threshold value, and the reference threshold value.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Threshold value judgment / binarization circuit, 2 ... Binarization processing unit, 3 ... Comparator, 4 ... Reference dot diameter detection unit, 5 ... Difference device, 6 ... Threshold value creation unit, 7 ... Absolute value calculator, 8 ... Maximum / minimum value detector,
9 ... Internal ratio creating section.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-6-333067 (JP, A) JP-A-57-132278 (JP, A) JP-A-59-61383 (JP, A) JP-A-4- 90365 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 7/00 B41J 21/16 G02F 7/00 G06K 7/10 G11B 7/005

Claims (20)

(57) [Claims] 1. An information reproducing system for optically reproducing the information by reading the dot code from a recording medium on which information is recorded by an optically readable dot code, and capturing the dot code. A threshold value for setting a threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the image pickup section and outputting binarized data of the image signal using the set threshold value. A binarization unit; and a reproduction unit that processes the binarized data created by the threshold value determination / binarization unit and reproduces the information, wherein the threshold value determination / binarization unit is From the binarized data of the image signal created with a predetermined threshold value, the size of the reference dot for setting the threshold value recorded on the recording medium is detected, and the size of the detected reference dot is set in advance. The ratio with the reference value Information reproducing system characterized by resetting the threshold performed. 2. The threshold value determination / binarization unit adjusts the threshold value so that a difference between the detected reference dot size and the reference value is a predetermined value or less, and resets the threshold value. The information reproducing system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 3. The information reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein the size of the reference dot is a diameter of the reference dot. 4. An information reproducing system for reproducing the information by optically reading the dot code from a recording medium on which information is recorded by an optically readable dot code, and capturing the dot code. And an internal division ratio representing a maximum value and a minimum value of the image signal and a ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value of the threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the imaging unit. And a threshold value determination / binarization unit that creates the binarized data of the image signal using the set threshold value, and the binarized data created by the threshold value determination / binarization unit. A reproducing unit for processing and reproducing the information; Set the threshold value recorded on the recording medium That the magnitude of the reference dots is detected and the information reproducing system characterized by performing the comparison with a preset reference value and the magnitude of the detected reference dot resets the threshold value. 5. The threshold value determination / binarization unit adjusts the internal division ratio so that the difference between the detected reference dot size and the reference value is a predetermined value or less, and the threshold value is set. The information reproducing system according to claim 4, wherein the information reproducing system is reset. 6. The information reproducing system according to claim 4, wherein the size of the reference dot is a diameter of the reference dot. 7. The information reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein the reference dot is a part of the dot code. 8. When there are a plurality of reference dots, the threshold value judgment / binarization unit sets an average value of the sizes of the plurality of reference dots as the size of the reference dots. The information reproducing system according to item 1 or 4. 9. The information reproducing system according to claim 1, wherein the threshold value judging / binarizing unit sets the threshold value in units of fields or frames. 10. The information according to claim 9, wherein the threshold value determination / binarization unit sets the threshold value using a reference dot detected in a previous field image or a previous frame image. Playback system. 11. The threshold determination / binarization unit uses the reference dots detected in the previous-two field image or the previous-two frame image when the reference dot is not detected in the previous field image or the previous frame image. 11. The information reproducing system according to claim 10, wherein the threshold value is set. 12. A recording medium on which information is recorded by an optically readable dot code, and an information reproducing system which optically reads the dot code and reproduces the information picks up the image of the dot code. And a threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the imaging unit are set, and the binarized data of the image signal is created using the set threshold value. A threshold value determining / binarizing unit; and a reproducing unit that processes the binarized data created by the threshold value determining / binarizing unit to reproduce the information, the recording medium includes the threshold value The determination / binarization unit detects the size of the binarized data of the image signal created with a predetermined threshold value, and compares the detected size with a preset reference value. To reset the threshold Recording medium characterized by comprising a reference dot. 13. A recording medium on which information is recorded by an optically readable dot code, wherein an information reproducing system which optically reads the dot code and reproduces the information captures the dot code. And a threshold value for binarizing the image signal from the imaging unit, the maximum value and the minimum value of the image signal, and the ratio between the maximum value and the minimum value. A threshold value determining / binarizing unit configured to create binarized data of the image signal using the set threshold value, and a binarizing unit created by the threshold value determining / binarizing unit. When the recording medium includes a reproducing unit that reproduces the information, the image signal created by the threshold value determining / binarizing unit with a threshold value using a predetermined internal division ratio. The size is detected from the binary data of Recording medium characterized by comprising a size thereof, which is the detection to reset the threshold by performing a comparison with a preset reference value, the reference dot. 14. The recording medium according to claim 12, wherein the size of the dot is a diameter of the dot. 15. A recording device for recording information on a recording medium by an optically readable dot code, wherein recording means records at least two types of dots having mutually different sizes, and the recording means records the information. An image input unit for inputting an image of each dot, a binarizing unit for binarizing an image signal from the image input unit, and a size of each dot binarized by the binarizing unit is set in advance. And a dot determination unit that selects one dot that is the same or approximate to the reference value, and the recording unit, based on the dot selected by the dot determination unit, the dot code. A recording device for recording the data on a recording medium. 16. A recording apparatus for recording information on a recording medium with an optically readable dot code, comprising recording means capable of recording dots having different recording densities, and recording density of each recording density recorded by the recording means. An image input unit for inputting a dot image, and a binarizing image signal output from the image input unit 2
A dot density for selecting the recording density by comparing the size of each dot binarized by the binarizing unit with a preset reference value, and the difference between the values is equal to or less than a predetermined value. A recording apparatus, comprising: a determination unit, wherein the recording unit records the dot code on a recording medium based on the recording density selected by the dot density determination unit. 17. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the size of the dot is a diameter of the dot. 18. A recording method for recording information on a recording medium with an optically readable dot code, comprising a first step of recording at least two types of dots having mutually different sizes, and the first step. The second step of inputting the image of each dot recorded in step 3, the third step of binarizing the image signal of the image input in the second step, and the binarization of the third step. By comparing the size of each dot and a preset reference value, and selecting a matching or approximating one dot, based on the dots selected in the fourth step, A fifth step of recording the dot code on a recording medium, the recording method comprising: 19. A recording method for recording information on a recording medium with an optically readable dot code, the first step of recording dots of a predetermined recording density, and the dots recorded in the first step. The second step of inputting the image, the third step of binarizing the image signal of the image input in the second step, and the size of the dot binarized in the third step. A fourth step of performing comparison with a preset reference value and selecting a recording density whose difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and based on the recording density selected in the fourth step,
A fifth step of recording the dot code on a recording medium, the recording method comprising: 20. The recording method according to claim 18, wherein the size of the dot is a diameter of the dot.